The Oscars Are Removing Four Categories From the Telecast. Why? Plus a Conversation With Nominee Nicholas Britell | The Oscars Show (Ep. 126)

Creative Process

Nicholas Britell shares insights into his creative process, emphasizing the importance of exploration and avoiding repetitive patterns. He often challenges himself by composing in unfamiliar keys to discover new musical ideas. Britell explains, "I often try to go away from those things because it's almost easy to fall into, oh, you know, I like that move. And then you find yourself doing it, and you're like, no, I've done that" 1. His approach to scoring films is similarly exploratory, with no set rules, allowing for a unique collaboration with directors 2.

   

Creative Collaboration

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Britell's work, particularly with directors like Barry Jenkins. He describes the process as a journey, where both the composer and director explore different sequences and ideas together. Britell notes, "It's not just me. It's not me by myself doing that. It's me and Barry. We're sitting there together, and we're both feeling something" 3. This collaborative effort leads to those special moments where the music and film connect on a profound level.

   

Emotional Impact

Britell's music is deeply intertwined with the emotional narratives of films, often conveying unspoken elements of the story. He emphasizes the importance of discussing emotions with directors to ensure the music aligns with the film's emotional core. "The music oftentimes is supposed to tell you something you're not seeing," Britell explains, highlighting the music's role in enhancing the narrative 4. His choice of projects is influenced by the emotional and intellectual connection he feels with the story and the filmmaker 5.